Upcoming challenges and event

I will upload any challenges and events I have coming up on this page.

1st August 2020

#ADIDASRUNNERS GLOBAL 10K

Registration link Adidas Runners Global 10k

 3rd August to 16th August 

Train like a trail runner

Target: 70km 

Download Adidas Running App

Trail Runner challenge

15th - 16th August (#runtriweekend) Sundried Virtual Event

15th - 23rd August

@lululemon Sea Wheeze Virtual Run 2020

10k or half marathon

22nd August (From 1st to 31st August)

August through the seasons free run challenge 

VIRTUAL Through the Seasons

What next after 100km week RTTS🤔

So since that awesome challenge of Race to the Stones, I have continued with my weekly training sessions created by Jake Keast.  The intensity has increased since the last week and more strenght work including hill sprints sessions😝.

The training plans have given me focus and consistency in my running journey during lockdown as it has meant that most of my runs are done solo. Prior to lockdown, I was running with a number of running communities including Advent Running, Adidas Runners and Tenzing Clean Air Run club.

Photo: Three Mills Park- using the track like area for base run

To get my strenght work completed in the past, I used Youtube and really enjoyed Fitnessblender.com workouts. 💪🏿.

Onto other news, Fractel (design outdoor wear for runners and adventurers, originating from Queensland Australia), but now also have a London based club,  contacted my via Instagram and wanted me to put together some words for their online blog! Such a wonderful opportunity for which I said yes of course☺🤩. The link is here: Fractel blog.

Photo: Mile End Park for hill sprint

Saturday 18th July, I had the pleasure of joining Run Higher Collective coached by Jane Vongrorachoti and Mika Takahashi in Battersea Park. We took part in a strenght and mobility session💪🏿🏃🏿‍♀️. Absolutely loved the session which was finished off with some hill sprints! 😨🤣

Photo: Battersea park for Strenght and mobility session 

Photo credit: Liviu Andrei Enache

Finale of Race to the Stones 100km virtual

So the big day has arrived! Can't believe it has come round so quickly, neither can I believe that I would still feel so good. I have had an awesome week with lots of new learning and great support from the running community and my closest running pals. I really wanted to challenge myself and also raise money for Black Minds Matter UK, who provide therapy and mental health support. They connect black individuals and families with free professional mental health services across the UK.

Todays task was to run 10km to complete the challenge. My route was through South Quay Waterside which is not far from Canary Wharf and around Mudchute. Beautiful view of Canary Wharf and it's surroundings.

I also decided that as today was a celebration of what is possible, I was going to have a private party, listening to music during the run rather than a podcast. I listened to my favourite dance hits from the 80s and 90s RnB. The sun was shining beautifully and I felt good. 

I completed the first 5km in 27:34 so I said to myself let's get under 60mins for the 10km. During this week, I completed 10km between 1hr03 and 1hr10 as I wanted to run easy.  It was pretty hot this morning but I managed to finish in 1hr exactly. I'll take that 😉.

I'm pretty surprised that I still feel OK and not overly tired. I have been sleeping well all week. One niggle which I had and always have is my right ankle which get inflamed after long runs. I managed that by icing it after the runs, and always used deep freeze patches on it during every run. If you have never tried the patches, they are awesome and provide relief for up to 3 hours. 

I would also really like to thank Jake Keast (@jakekeast_tri) who I have worked with over the last 6 weeks and has created training plans for all those weeks and a great plan for this challenge! Thanks Jake😌.

Few lessons that I have learned:

* I can push myself further than I think

* I can drink more water if I really want to and should continue to do this

* Life is tough, but I am tougher

* The support from the running community is greater than you can imagine

* Planning and preparation works for everything

* I really enjoy running on my own, I still enjoy running with others but I am motivated enough to go out and get it done.

* There are many amazing motiviational podcasts out there. Just when you think you can't just listen to Lopez Lomon's epic story of tragedy and hope - through Nike Running guided run app

The last or should I say the first 6 months of 2020 has been one that I will never forget. I have lost loved ones, close famiy friends and left a job after 13 years; lets not forget the Global Pandemic called Covid-19. But we must persevere, I know it is hard and I have my good days and bad days, but eternally grateful to still be here. ✌❤👊

Day 6 - Race to the Stones 100km virtual run

The penultimate day of this amazing challenge!👋

On my plan today was to run 5-6km and have 20-21km to run on the last day. From the start of the run I had my mind made up that I did not fancy running a half marathon on the Sunday. So everyday this week (except for my rest day which was on Thursday), I tried to add 1/2km to my runs, here and there to chip away at that Sunday mileage. After my run yesterday, I had 24km to go to hit that 100km. 

I set off at 9am this morning, I would usually have set off earlier, but after yesterday's double run totalling 25km, I was so tired this morning. The plan was to run at least 14km so that would leave me with 10km for the final day.

I wanted a different route today so I set off along the Regents Canal starting at Mile End, then Haggerston Bridge, Kingsland Bridge, Whitemore Bridge, Rosemary Branch and New North Road. I ran 7km in one direction and turned round to come back to hit that 14km. The canal was slightly busy as usual with walkers, runners and cyclists. It wasn't too bad when I turned round to run back. The canal has some beautiful views and history (see photos below).

My podcast of choice today was Runpod with Jenni Falconer. I listened to her talk to Adam Gemili and then another podcast talking to Colonel Dame Kelly Holmes. Col. Dame Kelly Holmes is a two time Olympic and Commonwealth, gold medal winner as well as a European and World Champion medallist. In addition to her track success, she has served an impressive military career climbing ranks to Colonel status, she has 'HGV driver' as a skill on her CV and for the last 10 years, she has held the 800m British record. In this podcast, Kelly gives us a taster of what it feels like to stand on the winner's podium, how running 'just for fun' compares to competing. This podcast is a hugely motivational and inspiring episode.

In Jenni's discussion with Adam Gemili, he talks about switching from football to sprinting in early 2012 and by that summer was representing GB at the Olympics. They discuss the excitement, the nerves, and the relentless training schedule as well as what kind of running he does in his free time. 

Really enjoyed both podcasts today and I have watched both athletes on the track which makes it even more relatable, listening to someone that you watch compete on the big stage.

I cannot beleive this challenge is almost over and I still feel good. I thought by now I would be an absolute wreck. So the total now stands at 90km/100km with one day to go. Bring it on!!!💃💕

Day 4 + 5 - Race to the Stones 100 virtual run

Day 4 was scheduled as a rest day so for once I rested and actually didn't run! 💗

On the plan for day 5 was a double run of 12km in the morning and one in the afternoon. For the morning I planned to run to Hackney Marshes, through the Olympic Park, along Stratford High Street and back home. I set off at 7:15am and planned to run easy. Felt good and well rested. I forgot to wear my compression socks as I said I would, but luckily my shins felt good and did not cause me any discomfort. Early last year before Brighton Marathon I developed pain with my ITB. The IT band is a multipurpose tendon that runs down the lenght of the outer thigh, from the top of the pelvis to the shin bone. ITB syndrome is caused by excessive friction from the IT band being overly tight and rubbing against the bone. The physio gave me some stretches that I need to do regularly, and to be honest I don't do them often enough. I felt some pain in them on day 3 so I used rock tape today to help ease the pain and made sure I did some stretches before I left home and also 10 minutes into the run. I have been doing this every run and it has really helped.

Rain was forecasted this morning but there was no sign. There was a bit of sunshine and as you may notice from my photos I am always ready for the sun, with my sunglasses. Run felt great and I really enjoyed the route. 

The podcast of choice today was a guided run using the Nike Running app. I listened to Lopez Lomong talk to Coach Bennett sharing his epic story. Lopez was one of the Lost Boys of Sudan. His story is one of tragedy and triumph, horror and hope, and the power of family. Lopez is one of the best runners in the world. He lived in a refugee camp in Kenya for ten years. He is also an Olympian and flag bearer for the US in 2008. If you ever think you can't, I dare you to listen to listen to Lopez tell his story and ask yourself again!

By the time I finished the run,  I banked 14km all before 9:30am!

This evening, I planned to run 10-14km going on feel. My friend Shakil asked me to join him and his friend and we ran along the Thames Path towards Tower Bridge, then London Bridge and onto the Millenium Bridge and did the loop back to East London. We ran at a very gentle pace as Abdi was new to running on the road although he is an avid gym lover!

It was a fun run, cool breezy evening with some sunshine. I banked 11km this evening, bringing in a total of 25km for today.

2 days to go left of the challenge and my total so far stands at 76km/100km.

Its Day 3 - Race to the Stone 100km virtual run

So today was a single run day and as I had to travel into work today, I saved the run for the evening. On the plan was 11km. Was trying to plan a route last night and then decided that I would run to Mile End Park do a loop, run along the canal to Victoria Park and do a Full loop and a half and then run back and that should take me to around 11km. I thought if I felt good I would add another 1km or so.

Set off out at 6pm to drop off some cake to a neighbour and my mum as I am leaving my current job - and a colleague's daughter baked me a beautiful cake. There was no way I wanted to keep all that cake at home so the sensible thing is to share it, right 😋

Started the run feeling good, oh before that I wore my new Runderwear women's base layer top and Runderwear sock. They both felt beautifully cosy! The top was perfect as it looked like it was going to rain, plus I wanted to take it super easy and didn't want to feel cold today. About 5km into the run, I was in Victoria Park by now, the clouds opened up! I loved it. Who would believe that I now love running in the rain. I never used to. It feels so liberating hahaha. 

After a few more kms my right shin started to feel a bit tender. I definitely need to wear my compression socks on my next run. Overall my body felt good and I have been keeping up with my water intake today. However, my nutrition was not so good as I only ate a HUGE slice of chocolate cake for lunch washed down with plenty of water. 

Podcast of choice today was Marathon Marcus - A Runner's Life; the episode I listened to was #18 - Knox Robinson. Knox is a coach of Nike+ Run Club in New York City, captain and co-founder of Black Roses NYC run collective and a top 100 finisher in New York City Marathon. Another great listen.

Today's run of 11km brings the total so far to 51km/100km; over half way now. Rest day tomorrow (Thursday) then double run day on Thursday.

Day 2 - Race to the Stones 100km virtual run

Another early start as I love to run in the mornings, if you didn't already know 💕

Today's plan is to run 16km which would bring my total so far to 40km/100km. I ate late evening yesterday so didn't feel hungry and I made sure to drink lots of water. So this morning I set off with no breakfast but had some water, to stay hydrated. 

I had a working meeting scheduled for 9:30am and several other meetings throughout the day so it was important for me to get the run done early so that  I can rest later.

Podcast of choice was Runpod again with Jenni Falconer. Today I listened to Calum Best talk to Jenni about what he has been up to during lockdown. If you have never heard of Calum, he is the son of George Best who was a Northern Irish professional footballer who played as a winger, spending most of his club career at Manchester United. Jenni and Calum discuss setting goals, running in lockdown, the importance of preparation, getting in the right mentality to run, Calum's health journey since arriving in the UK, from California and what keeps him heading out again, again and again.  This was a huge motivational listen and totally relatable.

 My second Runpod was Jenni talking to the amazing Anna McNuff, a real life adventurer. Anna has so many great tales to tell and they are all facinating. She started out as an elite rower and both her parents are Olympians in the event!!! She talks about the most incredible challenges she has completed, including running barefoot and completing the Race to the Stones challenge with very little training losing 9 toenails!!!... and obviously what she learned from this. Another great Runpod which I highly recommend you listen to.

Route today was via Canary Wharf  Thames Path up to Wapping high street and back home to bring in 16km. For the last 5km, I was feeling fatigued and stopped in a local Tesco to buy a bottle of my favourite orange lucozade. I probably drank it a bit too quick and felt sluggish, but within 10 minutes, I felt better and banked my lovely 16km.

Run done for today and back to work life and meetings! Yayyyyy!!

Bring on tomorrow.

Day 1 - Race to the Stones 100km virtual run

So it all begins today 6th July 2020..

According to my plan I should have 2 runs today 12km and 11km. I knew I had a busy day ahead which included 2 runs, close family friend's funeral and work of some sort.

Set off at 07:20am for my first run. The plan was to run along the canal to Victoria Park, a couple of laps in there and run back along the canal. The podcast of choice for this morning was from the Nike Running app using the Guided run option. I chose Mindful Matters; Coach Andy Puddicombe of Headspace and Coach Bennett talk to Olmpic Champion English Gardener about her career where she talks about the ups and downs she went through and moving forward. English Gardener is one of the best sprinters in the world. She is a member of the US gold medal 4x100 relay team in the 2016 Olympics. I thoroughly enjoyed the conversation between these guys. One thing that really stood out for me what something that English's mum said to her when she was younger; 'You can eat a whole elephant, just take one bite at a time'. This, when you really think about it is true and can be applied to all aspects of life. Anything really is possible with planning, preparation and taking just one step at a time.

The run was at a super easy pace and I banked 13km before 9am which was awesome!

This evening at 6pm, I tackled the second part of my run. This time I ran to the Olympic Park along the canal and then the same route back home.

Super gentle miles again, I had to keep pumping the brakes as the pace kept creeping up slowly...lol. Who knew how hard it is to run slow...damn! It was difficult but settled eventually, and very important if I am to make it through the week.

The podcast of choice this time was Runpod with Jenni Falconer. The first Runpod was Jenni talking to Derek Redmond an athlete who has excelled at many sports, one of which is sprinting. He went to the Olympics twice, representing GB alas both experiences did not go to plan. They discussed that anything can happen in sport and how you deal with consequences. The second Runpod was Jenni talking to Sally Gunnell OBE about staying active throughout the period of self-isolation. Sally Gunnell OBE represented GB at 400m Hurdles and is an Olympic Gold medal winner. I really enjoyed both podcasts and would highly recommend Runpod. I used it via Spotify for free!

I banked 11km for this run. So in total I banked 24km today. Feeling good. 

To round off my day, I enjoyed Westlab salt bath. I still have about 4 bags which I got from National Running Show in Birmingham. Great time to put them to use 😊 On another positive note, my water intake has been very good which I am happy about! This is something I am not very good at but I have been very conscious of this over the last 2 weeks including fueling properly before and after my runs.

Bring on tomorrow. The plan is to run 16km, which I hope to do in the morning before work.

Training for Race to the Stones 100km Virtual

Training up to Race to the Stone 100km Virtual run 

Throughout the Global Pandemic otherwise known as Covid-19 in 2020, I continued to run albeit solo and virtually with friends. I had planned to run Manchester Marathon in April, but obviously that has been postponed to October 2020, but may not actually happen, but we sit and wait, alongside continue to train. In March I completed the Milton Keynes 20 miles in 3 hours 28 mins and I was very optimistic about finishing Manchester Marathon in under 4 hours 30. That would have been a dream come true. My last marathon was Chelmsford Marathon in October 2019, which I completed in 4 hours 55 mins.

So since lockdown, I continued to run, enter many virtual races for motivation and that shiny medal of course! In that time I also discovered One Track running club which is based in Battersea but they had gone virtual with live audio runs and live video Strenght and Conditioning sessions and more. This was great as at times , music was not enough to keep me going. I also discovered Nike Running Club guided runs through the app. All of these were motivating factors in such a down time.

In June I was lucky enough to be offfered some coaching sessions (virtually) by Jake Keast via Instagram. Jake is a British triathlete. He has represented Great Britain in European and World championships. He is currently studying Biological Sciences at University. He has been great in preparing weekly training sessions including strenght, speed, core and interval work. It has been great to follow a plan as this is not something I have really done before. When you run with a club, we just usually attend the sessions and go with what the coach has planned for everyone and you go at your own pace. He also helped me put together the plan for the 100km week for Race to the Stones challenge. Training as been going really well and I have really enjoyed and benefited from actually doing the strenght work which is something I and (some runners) do not focus on quite as much as running.

The race begins tomorrow Monday 6th July and I have 7 days to complete the 100km. I have a few other friends also running the same distance and a few others running the marathon and half marathon distances. The entire distance can be completed in one day or split across all seven days, or anything in between, the choice is yours!

As part of this, a friend and I are jointly raising money for Black Minds Matter UK. Their mission is to support in making mental health topics relevant and accesible for all black people in the UK. They hope to fulfil this by connecting black individuals and families with free professional mental health services acrosss the UK.

https://www.blackmindsmatteruk.com/

Here is my plan for 6th - 12 July, but will see how each day goes and move things around if needed.

Monday  - 12km + 11km (double run day)

Tuesday  - 16km

Wednesday - 11km

Thursday - REST DAY

Friday - 12km + 12km (double run day)

Saturday 5-6km (nice and easy)

Sunday - 20km - 21km to finish off

If I want a slightly easier final day I may add 1/2km to the other days if I feel good. Will see how the week goes.

WISH ME LUCK 😁